Vol. 7 No. 05 (2026)

Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature

Jegathesh Kumar Sethuraman1, Kavioviyan. M.K2, Priyamvadha Mohansingh3

  1. UGC-Senior Research Fellow, Department of Criminology, University of Madras, Chennai, India,
  2. Independent Researcher, Perambalur, India,
  3. Professor, Department of Criminology, University of Madras, Chennai, India,
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Abstract

Tamil Sangam literature provides a rich and detailed window into the environment, lifestyle, industries, and cultural structures of ancient Tamil society. Among the various themes, Neithal Thinai stands out, vividly depicting coastal and marine life, which were integral to this society. The literature extensively elaborates on the lives of Neithal land dwellers, highlighting their maritime knowledge, fishing techniques, community interactions, and their use of marine resources. Key texts such as Agananooru, Purananooru, Natrinai, Kurunthogai, Ingurunooru, and Pattinappalai serve as vital sources, offering deep insights into coastal living and its multifaceted aspects. This paper aims to explore in greater detail the traditional weaving practices, fishing tools, and techniques described in the Sangam texts, as well as the social life of the Parathava community and methods of marine resource utilisation. Additionally, it seeks to shed light on the sophisticated maritime science and the environmental consciousness embedded within Sangam poetry, reflecting the community’s respect for nature and sustainable practices.

Keywords

  • Sangam Literature
  • Fishing
  • Neidhal
  • fishermen
  • Coastal life

How to cite

APA 7 Sethuraman, J. K., M.K, K., & Mohansingh, P. (2026). Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature. , 7(05), 1746-1760. https://doi.org/10.63300/tm07052026.25

MLA 9 Sethuraman, Jegathesh Kumar, et al. “Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature.” , vol. 7, no. 05, 2026, pp. 1746-1760, https://doi.org/10.63300/tm07052026.25.

Chicago Sethuraman, Jegathesh Kumar, Kavioviyan M.K, and Priyamvadha Mohansingh. “Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature.” 7, no. 05 (2026): 1746-1760. https://doi.org/10.63300/tm07052026.25.

Harvard Sethuraman, J.K., M.K, K. and Mohansingh, P. (2026) ‘Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature’, , 7(05), pp. 1746-1760. doi:10.63300/tm07052026.25.

IEEE J. K. Sethuraman, K. M.K, and P. Mohansingh, “Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature,” , vol. 7, no. 05, pp. 1746–1760, 2026, doi: 10.63300/tm07052026.25.

Vancouver Sethuraman JK, M.K K, Mohansingh P. Fishing Technology and Coastal Livelihood in Ancient Tamil Society: Evidence from Sangam Literature. . 2026;7(05):1746-1760. doi:10.63300/tm07052026.25

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